Privacy Policy

This document describes the Privacy Policy of Head Start Counselling ABN 53 439 026 214 for the management, collection, use and disclosure of client Information. The counselling services provided by Head Start Counselling are governed by the legal requirements of the Australian Privacy Principles and the Privacy Act 1988(Cth) (“the Act”).

Information We Collect

We take the protection of your Information seriously. While we are the custodians, you remain the owner of your Information. Information we collect:

• Personal Information is Information or an opinion that identifies an individual. Examples of Personal Information we collect include: names, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.
• Sensitive Information includes assessment, prognosis and feedback or any other relevant personal details you provide during the counselling process.
• Financial Information includes any payment details you provide via headstartcounselling.com.au or in person.

Collection

The type and amount of Information we collect about clients varies depending on the circumstances. Your Information may be collected verbally, electronically or through written records, audio files, and images via consultations, correspondence by telephone, email or headstartcounselling.com.au, and from third parties. Your Information is only recorded in your client notes as necessary for the provision of counselling services, including recording Personal/Sensitive Information which is relevant to your current situation for the purposes of assessment, prognosis and feedback.

Data Management

Your Information is stored in a manner that reasonably protects it from misuse and loss and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Personal and Sensitive Information may be stored securely onsite at Head Start Counselling’s offices, or electronically via Cliniko. Cliniko.com is a leading practice management system used by over 20,000 clinics and allied health practitioners around the world. 

Your financial details are securely processed via Stripe.com, a global online payment platform aligned with Westpac Bank, a trusted financial institution with a 200+ year presence here in Australia. Your Financial Information is governed by Stripe’s strict data management, security and privacy policies. 

Although we can’t guarantee website links or policy of authorised third parties, Head Start Counselling has chosen to align with industry leading third party services, such as Cliniko and Stripe, to securely facilitate practice management, bookings and payment activities.
Where appropriate all physical personal records will be de-identified to protect client privacy. 

Disclosure

We will only disclose Personal/Sensitive Information to third parties (such as a caregiver or as required by law including Court orders) with your consent in accordance with this Privacy Policy or if permitted or authorised to do so by law.

Consent

By engaging us or registering your details on headstartcounselling.com.au or by email or telephone, and/or using the website or otherwise engaging our counselling services, you consent to Head Start Counselling collecting, using and disclosing your Information for the purposes specified in this Privacy Policy.

Managing Your Information

It is an important to us that your Personal Information is up to date. You can request and be provided with any Personal Information we hold about you. If you have concerns that the Information we hold about you may be inaccurate, we will endeavour to update your Information on the basis of further details you provide. 

Any complaints you have regarding the storage or collection of your Information should be submitted via email to paul@headstartcounselling.com.au.

Changes to this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy forms part of the agreement between you as a client and Head Start Counselling. We may occasionally update this Privacy Policy. By continuing to use Head Start Counselling’s website or services you agree to the changes. If you do not accept these Privacy Policy changes, you can end further counselling services provided by Head Start Counselling. 

Contact

If you have any queries or complaints about this Privacy Policy, please contact paul@headstartcounselling.com.au